Simulation game system

ABSTRACT

A simulation game system for playing interactive games is disclosed to include a game console, a game apparatus body made from an inflatable air cushion material and having a manipulation structure operable by a user to produce a control signal and to transmit the produced control signal to the game console, and a control module, which is mounted in an accommodation chamber in the game apparatus body, having a motion sensor and buttons operable by a user to produce control signals that are transmitted to the game console for decode, analysis and calculation for enabling the operation status to be displayed on a display screen. The simulation game system is a simple, light weight, human-body friendly design that facilitates player&#39;s manipulation during the game, enabling the player to simulate the reality.

This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan patentapplication number 097221577 filed on Dec. 2, 2008 and 098124098 filedon Jul. 16, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to simulation game technology and moreparticularly, to a lightweight, human-body friendly simulation gamesystem, which comprises a game console, an inflatable air cushion typegame apparatus body having a saddle and a manipulation structure, and acontrol module fixedly mounted in the manipulation structure. The playercan manipulate the manipulation structure or operate the control moduleto transmit control signals to the game console wirelessly, driving thegame console to run game operations.

2. Description of the Related Art

Following fast development of computer technology, intelligentelectronic devices are intensively used in every corner in our societyto assist people in all fields and to provide people with differentservices.

With respect to game console, improvement in hardware technology anddata processing speed enables game software providers to create newinteractive virtual-reality video games so that players can simulatereality. A conventional game console for interactive video game isgenerally used with a joystick or remote control. This arrangementlowers the feeling of reality when one is playing the game. Inconsequence, this arrangement is less attractive to players. Further,conventional interactive video game systems are not human-body friendlydesigns. To an aged people or young child, a complicated learning courseis necessary before knowing how to play the game well. Therefore,conventional interactive video game systems impart a barrier to agedpeople and young children. There are also known interactivevirtual-reality video game systems, such as music game systems, dancinggame systems, racing game systems, and etc. that enable the players tosimulate reality.

For example, Taiwan Patent Publication No. 443143 discloses a motorcycleracing game system. According to this design, the motorcycle racing gamesystem comprises a motorcycle game body A and a display screen B. Themotorcycle game body A comprises a turning mechanism Al and a slidingmechanism A2 respectively arranged at the bottom side. When the turningmechanism A1 turns leftwards or rightwards about a support shaft, theslide A21 of the sliding mechanism A2 slides in direction reversed tothe turning direction of the turning mechanism A1. When an action iscreated, a corresponding signal is transmitted to the display screen Bfor display.

The above prior art design has drawbacks as follows:

1. This motorcycle racing game system uses a big number of componentparts. When the motorcycle racing game system is assembled, it requiresmuch installation space, and therefore it is simply used for commercialonly and not practical for home use. Further, the big size and heavyweight characteristics of the motorcycle racing game system make storageand delivery difficult.

2. This motorcycle racing game system is not compatible to other gameconsoles for playing other games. In consequence, the application ofthis motorcycle racing game system is limited.

Accordingly, there is a need for an interactive simulation game system,which eliminates the aforesaid drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished under the circumstances inview. It is one object of the present invention to provide a simulationgame system, which is a human-body friendly design, having lightweightand simple structure characteristics that facilitate storage anddelivery. It is another object of the present invention to provide asimulation game system, which has its game apparatus body designedcompatible to different game consoles.

To achieve these and other objects of the present invention, asimulation game system comprises a game apparatus body, a control moduleand a game console. The game apparatus body is made from an inflatableair cushion material, comprising a saddle for sitting by a user, anaccommodation chamber and a manipulation structure. The manipulationstructure is operable by a user to produce a control signal and totransmit the produced control signal to the game console. The controlmodule is mounted in the accommodation chamber by means of mountingmeans, comprising a motion sensor controllable by a user to produce acontrol signal and means to transmit the control signal produced by themotion sensor to the game console wirelessly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of a simulation game system accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of an alternate form of the simulationgame system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation flow chart of the simulation game systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a system block diagram of still another alternate form of thesimulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of still another alternate form of thesimulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another operation flow chart of the simulation game systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a system block diagram of still another alternate form of thesimulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is still another operation flow chart of the simulation gamesystem according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of the present invention, showing oneexample of the game apparatus body.

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of the present invention, showing anotherexample of the game apparatus body.

FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing of the present invention, showing stillanother example of the game apparatus body.

FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 11, showing the game apparatus body moved.

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional side view of a simulation game machineaccording to the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, a simulation game system in accordancewith the present invention is shown comprising a game apparatus body 1,a control module 2, a game console 3 and a display screen 4.

The game apparatus body 1 is an inflatable air cushion structure made ofplastics, rubber or canvass, having a saddle 10 for sitting by a playerand a manipulation structure 11 that has an accommodation chamber 111.The game apparatus body 1 can be made in the shape of a car, motorcycle,aircraft, train, steamboat or animal. The manipulation structure 11 canbe made in the form of a handlebar or pedal having an acceleratingfunction, or a steering wheel, rudder, motorcycle handlebar,press-button handle or joystick.

The control module 2 can be affixed to the accommodation chamber 111 ofthe manipulation structure 11 and electrically connected to themanipulation structure 11. The control module 2 comprises amicroprocessor 21, a motion sensor 22, a set of buttons (a keypad) 23and a wireless transmission interface 24. The motion sensor 22, the setof buttons 23 and the wireless transmission interface 24 arerespectively electrically connected with the microprocessor 21. Themotion sensor 22 can be a G-sensor, magnetic sensor or gyroscope.

The game console 3 is adapted for communication with the control module2 to transmit data or signal therebetween wirelessly. The game console 3comprises a microprocessor 31 and a wireless transmission interface 32electrically connected with the microprocessor 31 for wirelesscommunication with the wireless transmission interface 24 of the controlmodule 2. The microprocessor 31 has a memory 311 built therein forstoring data.

The display screen 4 is adapted for receiving data or signal from thegame console 3 for display. The data or signal transmission can be donethrough an audio video port that can be AV terminals, DVI (digitalvisual interface) or HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) means.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 10 and FIGS. 1, 2 and 9 again, the controlmodule 2 can be affixed to the accommodation chamber 111 of themanipulation structure 11 by any of a variety of mounting techniques.After installation of the control module 2 in the accommodation chamber111 of the manipulation structure 11, the control module 2 cancommunicate with the game console 3 to transmit a control signal to thegame console 3. The control signal can be a motion signal generated bythe motion sensor 22 upon movement of the game apparatus body 1 or thecontrol module 2, a press signal generated by one of the set of buttons23, or a triggering signal generated by the manipulation structure 11.Thereafter, the game console 3 executes or analyzes the control signalreceived from the control module 2, and displays the result on thedisplay screen 4. The operation flow is described hereinafter:

-   -   (100) Start.    -   (101) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 determines        whether or no a control signal is received within a        predetermined time period, and then it returns to step (100)        when negative, or proceeds to step (102) when positive.    -   (102) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 determines        whether or not the control signal is a motion signal generated        by the motion sensor 22, and then it proceeds to step (103) when        negative, or step (105) when positive.    -   (103) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 determines        whether or not the control signal is a button signal generated        by the buttons 23, and then it proceeds to step (104) when        negative, or step (105) when positive.    -   (104) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 determines        whether or not the control signal is a triggering signal        generated by the manipulation structure 11, and then it returns        to step (101) when negative, or proceeds to step (105) when        positive.    -   (105) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 encodes the        control signal and transmits the encoded control signal to the        wireless transmission interface 32 of the game console 3 through        the wireless transmission interface 24 thereof.    -   (106) The wireless transmission interface 32 of the game console        3 transmits the encoded control signal to the microprocessor 31        of the game console 3 for decoding.    -   (107) The microprocessor 31 of the game console 3 determines,        within a predetermined time period, whether or not the decoded        control signal match with one control signal stored in the        memory 311.    -   (108) The game console 3 transmits the control signal to the        display screen 4 for display, and then it returns to step (100).

In the aforesaid operation flow, the control signal stored in the memory311 of the game console 3 is the control signal received by the gameconsole 3 within the predetermine time period. Further, as stated above,the game apparatus body 1 can be made in the shape of a car, motorcycle,aircraft, train, steamboat or animal, and the manipulation structure 11can be made in the form of a handlebar or pedal having an acceleratingfunction, or a steering wheel, rudder, motorcycle handlebar,press-button handle or joystick. According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the game apparatus body 1 is presented in the form of amotorcycle. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the gameapparatus body 1 is presented in the form of a racing car. The user canclick the buttons 23 to execute game menu options or other functionaloperations, such as moving the position of the simulated game apparatusbody 1 on the display screen 4. When simulating a motorcycle ridinggame, the player can simulate the reality, causing the game apparatusbody 1 to tilt leftwards or rightwards around a turn, or causing thegame apparatus body 1 to lift the front wheel from the ground likeplaying a stunt riding. When simulating a racing car racing game, theplayer can execute leftward turning or rightward turning of the steeringwheel or control of the accelerator by means of the motion sensor 22,the set of buttons 23 or the manipulation structure 11. It is to beunderstood that the game apparatus body 1 and the control module 2 canbe made in any of a variety of forms without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

Further, the length of the predetermined time period as stated in step(101) or step (107) can be set by the designer.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 and FIG. 9 again, a vibration motor 12 maybe installed in the game apparatus body 1. After installation of thecontrol module 2 in the accommodation chamber 111 of the manipulationstructure 11, the vibration motor 12 is electrically connected to themicroprocessor 21 of the control module 2. A vibration motor 25 can alsobe installed in the control module 2 and electrically connected to themicroprocessor 21. Thus, the user can control the game apparatus body 1or the control module 2 to produce special effects, such as vibration.This special effect operation flow runs as follows:

-   -   (200) Start.    -   (201) The game console 3 transmits a vibration signal to the        microprocessor 31 for coding.    -   (202) The microprocessor 31 of the game console 3 transmits the        coded vibration signal to the wireless transmission interface 24        of the control module 2 through the wireless transmission        interface 32 of the game console 3.    -   (203) The wireless transmission interface 24 of the control        module 2 transmits the coded vibration signal to the        microprocessor 21 for decoding.    -   (204) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 transmits        the decoded vibration signal to the vibration motor 25 in the        control module 2 or the vibration motor 12 in the game apparatus        body 1, causing the vibration motor 25 or 12 to vibrate.        Thereafter, it returns to step (200).

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a sound effects module 5 and a sound effectstransmission device 33 are respectively installed in the game apparatusbody 1 and the game console 3. The sound effects module 5 and the soundeffects transmission device 33 are electrically connected with eachother. Thus, the game apparatus body 1 can be controlled to producesound effects. This sound effects operation flow runs as follows:

-   -   (300) Start.    -   (301) The game console 3 transmits a sound effects signal to the        sound effects transmission device 33.    -   (302) The sound effects transmission device 33 transmits the        sound effects signal to the sound effects signal connector 51 of        the sound effects module 5 at the game apparatus body 1.    -   (303) The sound effects signal connector 51 of the sound effects        module 5 transmits the sound effects signal to speakers 52 for        output. Thereafter, it returns to step (300).

In the aforesaid sound effects operation flow, the sound effectstransmission device 33 can be designed to transmit the audio signal tothe sound effects signal connector 51 of the sound effects module 5either by a wired measure or a wireless measure. When a wired measure isselected, USB (universal serial bus) or IEEE1394 interface means may beused. On the contrary, when a wireless measure is adopted, infrared,radio, WiFi or WiMAX technology may be employed.

Referring to FIG. 9 again, the game apparatus body 1 according to thisembodiment is made in the form of a motorcycle having a saddle 10 and amanipulation structure 11 with a speed control function. Themanipulation structure 11 has an accommodation chamber 111 thataccommodates the control module 2. The player can operate the controlmodule 2 to transmit a control signal to the game console 3. Further,the control module 2 is electrically connected with the manipulationstructure 11 so that the player can manipulate the manipulationstructure 11 to drive the control module 2, causing the control module 2to transmit a speed control signal to the game console 3.

Referring to FIG. 10, the game apparatus body 1 according to thisembodiment is made in the form of a racing car having a manipulationstructure 11 with a speed control function. According to thisembodiment, the manipulation structure 11 comprises a brake pedal, anaccelerator pedal and a steering wheel for motion and speed control.Further, the manipulation structure 11 has an accommodation chamber 111that accommodates the control module 2. The player can operate thecontrol module 2 to transmit a control signal to the game console 3.Further, the control module 2 is electrically connected with themanipulation structure 11 so that the player can manipulate themanipulation structure 11 to drive the control module 2, causing thecontrol module 2 to transmit a motion or speed control signal to thegame console 3.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the game apparatus body 1 according tothis embodiment is made in the form of an animal. This embodimenteliminates the aforesaid manipulation structure 11. Further, the controlmodule 2 is directly mounted in a chamber 13 in the game apparatus body1. The player riding the game apparatus body 1 can operate the controlmodule 2 to transmit a control signal to the game console 3.

Further, the control module 2 can be affixed to the accommodationchamber 111 in the manipulation structure 11 or the chamber 13 in thegame apparatus body 1 with an adhesive or by means of a mountingstructure or fastening device.

Further, an adapter formed of wireless transmission interface means anda microprocessor may be used for wireless communication between thecontrol module 2 and the game console 3. The game console 3 can beconnected with the microprocessor of the adapter by a USB (UniversalSerial Bus), IEEE1394 connection interface or any of a variety of otherwired method, or an infrared, radio technology or any of a variety ofother wireless methods. Further, the game console 3 has an audiotransmitter 31. Further, a display screen may be provided andelectrically connected to the game console 3 by audio/video interfacemeans, such as AV (Audio/Video) terminals, DVI (Digital VisualInterface) or HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), for receivingaudio/video signals from the game console 3 for display.

In conclusion, the invention provides a simulation game system, whichhas the advantages and features as follows:

-   -   1. The game apparatus body 1 is made from inflatable or air        cushion materials; the control module 2 can be affixed to the        accommodation chamber 111 in the manipulation structure 11 or        the chamber 13 in the game apparatus body 1 with an adhesive or        by means of a mounting structure. Therefore, the simulation game        system has light weight and simple structure characteristics,        convenient for storage and delivery and practical for home        application.    -   2. By means of the motion sensor 22 and buttons 23 of the        control module 2 and the manipulation structure 11, the player        can execute speed-up, speed-down, left-tilt, right-tilt, menu        selection or other special function controls. This human-body        friendly design facilitates player's manipulation during the        game, enabling the player to simulate the reality.    -   3. The game apparatus body 1 and the game console 3 are        separately designed. The player can use the game apparatus body        1 to communicate with the game console 3 for signal        transmission. If the user has many different game consoles 3 or        when the game console 3 is damaged and must be replaced, the        user needs not to change the game apparatus body 1, i.e., the        game apparatus body 1 is compatible to different game consoles        3.    -   4. The game apparatus body 1 can receive a special effects        signal, such as sound signal or vibration signal from the game        console for producing sound or vibration effects. This method        enables the game apparatus body 1 to exhibit multiple game        functions of the game console 3 so that the player can        effectively simulate reality.

A prototype of simulation game system has been constructed with thefeatures of FIGS. 1˜13. The simulation game system functions smoothly toprovide all of the features disclosed earlier.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described indetail for purposes of illustration, various modifications andenhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except asby the appended claims.

1. A simulation game system for playing interactive games, comprising agame apparatus body, a control module and a game console, wherein: saidgame apparatus body is made from an inflatable air cushion material,comprising a saddle for sitting by a user, an accommodation chamber anda manipulation structure, said manipulation structure being operable bya user to produce a control signal and to transmit the produced controlsignal to said game console; said control module is mounted in saidaccommodation chamber by means of mounting means, comprising a motionsensor controllable by a user to produce a control signal and means totransmit the control signal produced by said motion sensor to said gameconsole.
 2. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid inflatable air cushion material is selected from plastics, rubberand canvass.
 3. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1,wherein the mounting means to secure said control module to saidaccommodation chamber is an adhesive.
 4. The simulation game system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting means to secure said controlmodule to said accommodation chamber is a fastening device.
 5. Thesimulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controlmodule comprises a microprocessor electrically connected with saidmotion sensor, a set of buttons electrically connected with saidmicroprocessor for signal entry, and a wireless transmission interfaceelectrically connected with said microprocessor for wirelesscommunication with a wireless transmission interface of said gameconsole.
 6. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid motion sensor is selected from G-sensor, magnetic sensor andgyroscope.
 7. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid control module comprises a microprocessor and a vibration motorcontrollable by said microprocessor to vibrate.
 8. The simulation gamesystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein said manipulation structurecomprises at least one of a handlebar having an accelerating function, apedal having an accelerating function, a steering wheel, a rudder, amotorcycle handlebar, a press-button handle and a joystick.
 9. Thesimulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gameapparatus body comprises a vibration motor controllable to vibrate by avibration signal from said game console, and adapter means adapted toreceive a vibration signal from said game console and to transmit thevibration signal to said vibration motor for causing said vibrationmotor to vibrate.
 10. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said game apparatus body comprises a sound effects module, saidsound effects module comprising a sound effects signal connector and atleast one speaker; said game console comprises a sound effectstransmission device controllable to transmit a sound effects signal tosaid sound effects signal connector for output through said at least onespeaker.
 11. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid game apparatus body is made in one of the form of a car, amotorcycle, an aircraft, a train, a steamboat and an animal.
 12. Asimulation game system, comprising a motorcycle body, a game console andan adapter adapted for enabling said motorcycle body to communicate withsaid game console, said motorcycle body comprising a motorcycle bodycontrol module, a keypad and a speed control, said motorcycle bodyoperation module comprising a first microprocessor, a motion sensor anda first wireless transmission interface, said motion sensor and saidwireless transmission interface being respectively electricallyconnected to said first microprocessor, said keypad and said speedcontrol being electrically connected to said first microprocessor ofsaid motorcycle body operation module, said adapter comprising a secondwireless transmission interface for wireless communication with saidfirst wireless transmission interface of said motorcycle body operationmodule and a second microprocessor electrically connected with saidsecond wireless transmission interface for enabling said motorcycle bodyto communicate with said game console for two-way signal transmissionthrough said adapter.
 13. The simulation game system as claimed in claim12, wherein said game console comprises an audio transmitter; saidmotorcycle body further comprises a sound module, said sound modulecomprising an audio receiver adapted for receiving a sound signal fromsaid audio transmitter of said game console and a speaker set adaptedfor output of the sound signal received by said audio receiver from saidaudio transmitter.
 14. The simulation game system as claimed in claim13, wherein said audio receiver of said sound module comprising isadapted for receiving a sound signal from said audio transmitter of saidgame console by a wired method.
 15. The simulation game system asclaimed in claim 13, wherein said audio receiver of said sound modulecomprising is adapted for receiving a sound signal from said audiotransmitter of said game console by a wireless method.
 16. Thesimulation game system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said motorcyclebody further comprises a vibration motor electrically connected to saidfirst microprocessor and controllable by a control signal transmitted bysaid game console through said second microprocessor and said secondwireless transmission interface to said first wireless transmissioninterface.
 17. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 12,wherein said game console is electrically connected to said secondmicroprocessor of said adapter by wired interface means selected fromthe group of USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface means and IEEE1394interface means.
 18. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 12,wherein said game console is electrically connected to said secondmicroprocessor of said adapter by wireless interface means selected fromthe group of infrared wireless interface means and radio wirelessinterface means.
 19. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 12,wherein said motion sensor is selected from the group of G-sensor,magnetic sensor and gyroscope.